6 Things You Need to Plan the Best Office Holiday Party Ever

It’s not hard to understand why people look forward to office holiday parties. They’re a chance to take a break from the daily grind, have some fun and celebrate. However, as enjoyable as these shindigs are, they’re not always a joy to plan for small business owners or administrators. Without the budget, resources and support staff that larger companies have, throwing a holiday party at a small business can turn a joyful event into another item on the to-do list.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. All it takes to have a great party is some basics and good company. You’ve already got that second part handled, so here’s what you need to make your party a good time for everyone (including you!).

Festive decor

No matter the occasion, setting the vibe at an office party starts with decor. That doesn’t mean a floor-to-ceiling transformation, though—you can keep it subtle and still have a big effect. Stick with things that are easy to set up, like banners and tabletop displays to minimize setup time.

If you’re planning a party for an annual holiday, stick with items that are affordable but sturdy, so you can use them year after year. With just a small budget and about half an hour of time, you can transform a meeting room into a holiday escape, and your colleagues will appreciate the effort.

Disposable tabletop items

Unless you’re planning to wash dishes in the break room later, you’ll want to have a variety of disposable items on hand. That means plates, bowls, cups, napkins, utensils and tablecloths—everything your employees need to enjoy the tasty menu (more on that later).

Take your decor to the next level by matching the party theme and coordinating colors. Or browse bundles to check everything off your shopping list with a single purchase—saving you time without sacrificing the wow factor.

Ready-to-eat food

What’s a party without food? You’ll want to put out a nice spread for your team, but don’t feel like you have to spend all day in the kitchen. Look for snacks that are ready to serve and ready to eat; no additional work needed. Here are a few favorites to get you started:

• Charcuterie
• Premade salads
• Vegetable trays
• Sandwiches
• Chips and dip
• Fresh fruit

Remember, you don’t want anything you have to heat up or spend a lot of time assembling. There are plenty of party food options that don’t require extensive preparation, so keep it simple (and delicious).

Baked goods

Don’t forget about dessert! It’s not a party without sweet treats, so set aside some budget to give your colleagues a sugar rush. If you want to get really creative, look for treats that match the theme or add some bonus decorations yourself. A little food coloring goes a long way.

Beverages

You’re going to need something to wash down all that tasty food, so don’t forget to provide a nice selection of beverages. At the very least, bottled water and a small selection of sodas and iced tea should keep everyone at the party satisfied. If you want to take it up a notch, flavored seltzers and sparkling water are having a moment, and bubbly drinks always add a festive feel.

If your party takes place at the end of the workday or after hours and all of your employees are over 21, consider some boozy options, such as a few bottles of wine or themed cocktails. Bailey’s Irish Cream Hot Chocolate or a glass of Prosecco with a few cranberries in the bottom can make wintry holiday office parties extra toast-worthy.

Cleaning supplies

When it's time for cleanup, make sure you have the right supplies on hand. From brooms to cleaning wipes (you never know when a drink might get spilled!), get what you need to leave your space pristine. 

’Tis always the season for Walmart Business+

The essentials on this list will help you set the right tone and help your employees relax and enjoy themselves. Make things easy on yourself by ordering everything you need from Walmart Business. And to continue enjoying low prices and fast shipping on office supplies all year long, consider a Walmart Business+ membership.